Q&A: YuuZoo’s CEO on Creating a Different Kind of Social Network

Oct 18, 2013 1:03 am ET

When he’s not plotting to re-create Nokia Corp.’s greatest achievements in the mobile phone market, Thomas Zilliacus, chief executive of the “third generation” social networking service YuuZoo, is monetizing online interactions for brands in a way that industry giants like Facebook Inc. are missing.

The charismatic executive from Finland, now 59 years old, first came to Asia in 1986 to explore growth prospects in the region for Nokia. Now 27 years down the line, through his company Mobile FutureWorks, Mr. Zilliacus owns a controlling stake in YuuZoo, a Singapore-based start-up which makes bespoke social networking platforms for brands, organizations and interest groups, including fans of the new Grand Theft Auto V video game.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Zilliacus spoke more about YuuZoo’s niche and its plans for a listing on the Singapore stock exchange by way of a reverse takeover. Edited excerpts: